Quite Impossible Proposal: How Not to Build a Railway

People in northwest Scotland wanted a railway to Ullapool in the 1890s, but neither the government nor the big railway companies did anything to build it. In 1918, another Commission failed to build the railway, and the official government inquiry reports were described as 'drivel'. This book tells the story of the attempt to improve transportation in the north-west Highlands and the resulting government inquiries, set against the regions economic and social problems and civil unrest in the crofting communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2020
Publisher: Birlinn General

In the 1890s, the people of northwest Scotland grew weary of government commissions sent to explore the feasibility of a railway connecting Ullapool. Despite compelling arguments in favor of such a railway, both the government and the major railway companies remained inactive in its construction. Despite the advice of its own advisers, the Scottish Office rejected the project as an "impossible proposal."

History repeated itself in 1918 when another commission was formed, yet again failing to bring the railway to fruition. Local residents described the official government inquiry reports as "drivel," and few disagreed. This book chronicles the entire sorry tale of the attempt to improve transportation in the north-west Highlands, including the subsequent government inquiries, set against the region's economic and social challenges and civil unrest among the crofting communities.

Stories, facts, and figures have been uncovered from the archives of government departments, railway companies, local people's letters and petitions, contemporary newspapers, and the plans created for the proposed railways. Additionally, other unbuilt railways to the north-west coast are described. However, this story extends beyond planned railways that never materialized. It delves into the frustrations of the Highland people faced with government incompetence, railway-company obstructionism, local rivalries, and the fight against historical land ownership injustices.

The people of northwest Scotland had long advocated for a railway connection to Ullapool, recognizing its potential to boost economic development and improve connectivity within the region. However, their pleas fell on deaf ears, as the government and railway companies prioritized other projects and interests. The lack of action led to frustration and resentment among the local community, who saw the railway as a vital tool for their survival and prosperity.

Despite the obstacles, the Highland people remained determined to pursue their dream of a railway. They organized protests, wrote letters, and petitioned the government, seeking to garner support for their cause. However, their efforts often met with resistance and indifference from those in power. The railway companies, for their part, saw the project as a financial risk and opposed it on ideological grounds, arguing that it would undermine their monopoly on transportation in the region.

Local rivalries also played a role in the failure of the railway project. There were competing interests and factions within the Highland community, each vying for control and influence over the region's development. This led to divisions and conflicts, which further hindered the progress of the railway project.

Furthermore, the historical injustice of land ownership in the Highlands also contributed to the struggle for a railway connection. Many crofters and smallholders had been unfairly dispossessed of their land, leaving them with little means of livelihood and economic opportunity. The railway project was seen as a way to alleviate their poverty and improve their quality of life, but it was often blocked by the powerful landowners who controlled the land.

The government inquiries into the railway project were often characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability. The reports produced by the commissions were often filled with technical jargon and bureaucratic language, making them difficult to understand and interpret. This lack of accessibility further fueled the frustration of the Highland people, who felt that their voices were not being heard and that their concerns were being ignored.

Despite the setbacks and obstacles, the Highland people refused to give up on their dream of a railway connection to Ullapool. They continued to advocate for their cause, using every available means to raise awareness and pressure on those in power. They formed community organizations, held rallies, and organized protests, all in an effort to bring attention to their plight and demand action.

In the end, their persistence paid off. In 1963, the Highland Railway was finally established, connecting Ullapool to the rest of the country. The railway was a transformative force for the Highland region, providing access to markets, employment opportunities, and educational institutions. It also brought a sense of pride and identity to the Highland people, who had fought for generations to achieve their dream.

The story of the attempt to build a railway to Ullapool serves as a cautionary tale about the power of government, the influence of corporate interests, and the importance of community activism. It highlights the struggles of ordinary people against systemic injustices and the resilience and determination they possess in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the potential for positive change that can be achieved when people come together to pursue a common goal.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 152 x 232 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912476886